Electrode Clamp

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an electrode clamp ( 10; 100 ) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode, the electrode clamp ( 10; 100 ) having a first part ( 12; 112 ) and a second part ( 14; 114 ), as well as a contact element ( 60; 160 ), and, for clamping a film electrode, the two parts ( 12, 14; 112, 114 ) being able to be pivoted toward one another, characterized in that in an initial state of the electrode clamp ( 10; 100 ), the first part ( 12; 112 ) and the second part ( 14; 114 ) have an offset ( 36; 136 ) to one another which can be reduced by relative movement of the second part ( 14; 114 ) relative to the first part ( 12; 112 ) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp, and that by a reset motion of the second part ( 14; 114 ) relative to the first part ( 12; 112 ) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element ( 60; 160 ) and thus contact can be made with the snap electrode and the electrode clamp ( 10; 100 ) can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the snap electrode.

The invention relates to an electrode clamp with which both a film electrode and also a snap electrode can make electrical contact.

Electrode clamps such as these are known from DE 102 25 621 B3 and are used, for example, in medical technology in order to be able to easily make contact between different electrode types there. Thus, for example, when preparing an electrocardiogram (EKG), the contact points on the body to be examined can be connected to the medical devices both via film electrodes and also via snap electrodes.

The object of the invention is to make available an electrode clamp which is further improved compared to the known electrode clamp, especially one which ensures permanently reliable contact-making and simple handling.

This object is achieved by the electrode clamp specified in claim 1. Special embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the electrode clamp intended mainly for use in medical technology has a first part and a second part which can be moved relative to one another, in particular can be pivoted around a pivoting axis to one another and moreover can move relative to one another. Both a film electrode and a snap electrode can be mechanically clamped by the two possible relative movements and can make electrical contact by means of a contact element of the electrode clamp. Snap electrodes have a contact stud which projects from the electrode surface making contact with the patient and by means of which the electrode surface can be electrically connected to a medical device, for example an electrocardiograph. Film electrodes have flat extensions of the electrode surface which makes contact with the patient and can be clamped, for example, between two flat sections of the first and second part.

In the known clamps, the sections of the first and second part of the electrode clamp which can clamp the film electrode as an alligator clip are aligned to one another in the initial position and lie congruently on top of one another. Conversely, the first and the second part of the electrode clamp according to the invention in the initial position have an offset which can be reduced or cancelled against the action of an energy storage mechanism which is located in the electrode clamp. An opening in the electrode clamp thus can be cleared, into which then the snap electrode, with which contact is to be made, can be inserted. The snap electrode is clamped against the contact element and contact is established by the reset motion.

In one embodiment, the first part and the contact element each have an opening through which the snap electrode can pass. The second part has a receiving space for accommodating the snap electrode at least in sections. The receiving space is bordered by a clamping means, for example, by the edge of the second part which borders the receiving space, which can be moved into contact with the snap electrode for clamping. Clamping takes place by the interaction of the clamping means with the contact element and/or with the edge which borders the opening of the first part. For clamping and making contact, the snap electrode which passes through the openings in the first part and in the contact element can be held in the receiving space of the second part at least in sections. The receiving space of the second part can likewise be bordered by an opening in the second part. The openings in the second part and in the contact element can have essentially the same contour. The opening in the first part can at least be larger in sections than the opening in the contact element. The first part is facing the electrode which can be fixed on the body which is to be examined.

In one embodiment, the opening of the contact element and the receiving space of the second part in the initial state of the clamp have an offset to one another which can be reduced by a relative movement of the second part relative to the first part to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the receiving space. The snap electrode is clamped against the contact element and thus makes electrical contact by means of the offset which can be re-established at least partially after insertion of the snap electrode.

In one embodiment, of the invention, the relative movement of the first and of the second part to one another takes place against the force of an energy storage mechanism. By using an energy storage mechanism there is a defined initial state of the electrode clamp because the two parts of the electrode clamp, to the extent there is no contact with an electrode, are moved by the energy storage mechanism into the initial state. In this way reliable contact-making is also ensured with one-hand operation of the electrode clamp. The energy storage mechanism can be, for example, tension/compression springs, helical springs, spiral springs or leg springs, or also elastically deformable plastics.

In one embodiment, relative movement of the two parts to one another takes place such that proceeding from an initial state with offset of the openings in the second part and in the contact element, the offset is reduced or the openings are even aligned to one another by a first relative movement such that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp.

After accommodation of the snap electrode at least in sections in the receiving space of the second part, a reset motion of the two parts takes place such that the openings after the second relative movement in turn have an offset to one another. In this way simple mechanical fixing of the electrode clamp on the snap electrode is implemented and in the process at the same time electrical contact is made with the snap electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode clamp after attachment to the snap electrode can be turned relative to thereto so that the desired alignment of the electrode clamp and of the associated connecting lead is possible. In one embodiment, the first and/or the second relative movement of the two parts is a linear movement. In one embodiment, the second relative movement takes place in the opposite direction to the first relative movement.

In one embodiment, the relative movement takes place laterally. The direction of movement lies in a plane which is defined by flat sections of the first and of the second part which are used for making contact and/or clamping of film electrodes. There is no significant application of force to the patient to be examined by the lateral relative movement of the parts to one another when contact is made with the snap electrode. This leads to an increase in patient comfort, especially for patients sensitive to pain.

When contact is made with a snap electrode and also a film electrode there can be a single energy storage mechanism for resetting the two parts. For example, a leg spring can store energy both in torsional deformation and also in tensile or compressive deformation. In one embodiment, there are several, in particular two energy storage mechanisms, of which one is designed for resetting of the two parts when contact is made with a snap electrode, and one for resetting the two parts when contact is made with a film electrode. In this way, the reset forces and thus the actuation forces for the two electrode types can be set separately.

In one embodiment, the snap electrode can be clamped in the opening of the contact element in that one boundary of the receiving space of the second part facing the opening adjoins the snap electrode, while at the same time the snap electrode adjoins one section of the opening of the contact element, and that the snap electrode is attached to the electrode clamp by clamping by an energy storage mechanism which tries to increase the offset of the two parts to one another.

In one embodiment, the electrode clamp has stop means which limit the relative movement of the two parts to one another. Interacting stop means on the first and second part determine a first stop position, in particular an initial state, in which external forces do not act on the electrode clamp, and in which the openings in the contact element and in the second part have such an offset that a snap electrode cannot be inserted into the electrode clamp. In this initial state, however, a film electrode can be clamped and can make contact, for example, by the two parts being able to pivot as an alligator clip and being able hold a film electrode between themselves. In particular, the surfaces of the two parts which face each other in spite of the offset of the two parts have sufficient overlapping so that a film electrode can be clamped reliably between at least one part of the facing surfaces of the first and second part.

Other interacting stop means on the first and second part determine a second stop position in which the two parts can be moved so far against one another and against the force of the energy storage mechanism that a snap electrode can be inserted through the opening in the first part and in the contact element into the receiving space of the second part. In one embodiment, in the second stop position, the openings in the contact element and in the second part are aligned to one another, in particular, are completely aligned or congruent to one another.

In one embodiment, the stop means are each formed in one piece by the first and/or second part which can be molded articles of an electrically insulating material, in particular a polymer plastic.

In one embodiment, the openings for the snap electrode in the first part and in the contact element are formed by a through opening or a hole. Preferably, the openings are formed in the flat section of the first part and of the contact element. The opening in the first part can, for example, be formed in the clamp tip of the first part for making contact with the film electrode. The opening is open toward the edge which borders the first part, in particular the flat section of the first part, i.e., the opening does not have a closed edge boundary. The corresponding applies to the receiving space of the second part. In this way it is possible to place the electrode clamp on the snap electrode either from overhead, or alternatively, and in many applications preferably, to bring the electrode clamp from the side to the snap electrode and to insert the snap electrode into the second section of the opening over the first section which is open toward the end.

In one embodiment, in the first section of the opening which forms the connection toward the edge, the inside width is less than in the second section which is at a distance from the edge. In one embodiment, the second section is analogous at least partially to the shape of the snap electrode, in particular, it is made circular in sections.

In one embodiment, the first section toward the edge is bordered by two edges which run parallel at least in sections. In one embodiment, a first section near the edge widens toward its edge-side end. This simplified the insertion of the snap electrode.

In one embodiment, the lateral relative movement of the two parts for making contact with the snap electrode runs parallel to or even along an axis which also forms a pivoting axis for a pivoting motion of the two parts to one another for making contact with a film electrode. In one embodiment, the axis forms the guide means for the lateral relative movement.

The axis can be formed by an elongated and at least sectionally cylindrical body. Alternatively, the axis can also be defined by some other shape and can enable pivoting of the two parts to one another, for example, by guidance of the second part taking place in a bearing drum of the first part without an elongated cylindrical axis body being necessary.

In one embodiment, the pivoting axis is pivoted in bearing brackets of one of the two parts of the electrode clamp. Preferably the bearing brackets are formed in one piece from the first and/or second part. In one embodiment, the bearing brackets of the pivoting axis in the first part of the electrode clamp together with the corresponding bearing brackets in the second part of the electrode clamp form stop means for limiting the lateral relative movement of the two parts.

In one embodiment, on only one of the two parts is there an electrical contact element for making contact both with the film electrode and also the snap electrode, preferably on that part on which the connecting lead of the electrode clamp is also fixed. In one embodiment, the contact element is flat and preferably formed by a metal sheet. In particular, the contact element can be a punched part. The contact element can be produced as a shaped part from metal and can have a thickness from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, and in particular approximately 0.3 mm.

In one embodiment, the first part in the forward flat region which is designed for making contact with film and snap electrodes has a thickness from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, and in particular a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm.

In one embodiment, the contact element has a clamping means for clamping the film electrode. In one embodiment, the clamping means is formed by the contact element having point, linear or polygon-shaped elevations relative to its otherwise flat progression at one or more positions. In one embodiment, the elevations of the contact element are formed by deforming an originally flat contact element by means of bending or embossing or punching or a combination of the indicated working processes. In one embodiment, the clamping means is located in one section of the contact element which lies over the first section of the opening of the first part, which section is near the edge.

In one embodiment, the flat section of the part opposite the part which has the contact element has a recess which corresponds to the clamping means, in particular for a strip-shaped clamping means, a corresponding groove-shaped recess. In this way a film electrode which has been inserted between the two parts is molded over the strip of the contact element and into the corresponding recess, and unintentional withdrawal of the electrode clamp from the film electrode is effectively prevented by the required forces which have been greatly increased by this measure.

In one embodiment, the contact element has an opening analogous to the opening of the first part of the electrode clamp at least in sections. In particular, the opening of the contact element can also have a first section near the edge and a second section at a distance from the edge. Preferably the inside width in the second section of the contact element is larger than in the first section. In the second section, the opening of the contact element is shaped such that a snap electrode which has been inserted into the opening of the first part can be moved against the contact element to make electrical contact. The inside width in the second section of the contact element can be smaller for this purpose than the inside width in the second section of the opening of the first part. The electrode clamp, in addition to high reliability, also affords contact protection and simple handling.

Other advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this connection the features mentioned in the claims and in the specification can be essential for the invention individually or in any combination.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the electrode clamp according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a section through the embodiment according to III-III of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 shows a view from underneath of the second part of a second embodiment,

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the arrangement of the energy storage mechanism and one axis of the second embodiment,

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the first part of the second embodiment,

FIG. 7 shows partially in a section an arrangement of energy storage mechanisms and one axis of the third embodiment,

FIG. 8 shows partially in a section an arrangement of an energy storage mechanism and one axis of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of an electrode clamp 10 according to the invention, in which the first part 12 can be movably connected to the second part 14 via an axis 16. The axis 16 can be fixed in the first part 12 or in the second part 14. In the embodiment, the axis 16 is pressed into a bearing bracket 28 which is formed preferably in one piece from the second part 14 and is pivotally connected to a bearing bracket 18 which is formed preferably in one piece from the first part 12. In this way, both pivoting or rocking of the second part 14 relative to the first part 12 around the axis 16, as well as lateral displacement motion of the two parts 12, 14 in the direction of the axis 16, are possible.

In the front region 20, the electrode clamp 10 has a surface 22 which is formed from a first part 12 and a surface 24 which is formed from the second part 14, which surfaces in the initial state of the electrode clamp 10 which is shown in FIG. 1 run parallel to one another and between which a film electrode, which is not shown, can be clamped. The surfaces 22 and 24 on their free end each have an edge 26, 30. The second part 14, in the forward region 20 and near the edge 30, has a recess 32 which the clamping means 62 of the first part 12 engages and thus a film electrode, which has been placed between the surfaces 22 and 24 of the electrode clamp 10, can be clamped such that unintentional pulling of the electrode clamp 10 away from the film electrode is effectively prevented. The electrode which has made contact with the electrode clamp 10 can be connected to a medical device via the connecting lead 34 of the electrode clamp 10.

To make contact with a film electrode, the second part 14 can be pivoted against the action of an energy storage mechanism around the axis 16 relative to the first part 12 so that the film electrode can be inserted between the two surfaces 22, 24 and can be mechanically clamped and electrical contact made when pivoted back.

The bearing bracket 18 of the first part of the electrode clamp 10 shown by the broken line in FIG. 1 is located approximately in the middle relative to the longitudinal extension of the first part 12 and has a contour which is circular at least in sections, in particular a circular contour with a center point which coincides with the center of the axis 16.

The bearing bracket 28 which is located essentially in the middle with reference to the longitudinal extension of the second part 14 in its lower section which faces the first part 12 likewise has a circular outside contour whose center in turn coincides with that of the axis 16. In particular, in one advantageous configuration the circular sections of the bearing brackets 18, 28 can have the same diameter.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a lateral offset 36 of the second part 14 which is given in the initial state of the electrode clamp 10 relative to the first part 12. Thus the lateral edge of the second part 14 projects beyond the lateral edge 40 of the first part 12 by the offset 36. The contour of the first part 12 is essentially symmetrical to the center line 42 of the first part 12. The contour of the second part 14 is essentially symmetrical to the center line 44 of the second part 14. The center lines 42, 44 in the illustrated embodiment have an offset 36. Proceeding from the first end of the two parts 12, 14 which is adjacent to the connecting lead 34, the contours of the first part 12 and of the second part 14 widen in the direction of the edges 26, 30 on the opposite second end, first trapezoidally to the center section of the first and second part 12 and 14 in which the axis 16 (FIG. 1) is located.

In the middle section, the contour runs essentially parallel to the center lines 42 and 44 and then tapers trapezoidally as far as the edges 26 and 30 of the first part 12 and of the second part 14. The length of the trapezoidal section on the first end is approximately 20 to 50% of the longitudinal extension of the first part 12 and of the second part 14. The length of the trapezoidal section on the second end is approximately 40 to 70% of the longitudinal extension of the first part 12 and of the second part 14. The length of the middle section which runs parallel to the center lines 42 and 44 is approximately 10 to 30% of the longitudinal extension of the first part 12 and of the second part 14.

In the forward region 20 (see FIG. 1) which is bordered by the deflection line 38 of the second part 14 in the direction of the connecting lead 35 in the first part 12 there is an opening 58 (FIG. 3) arranged symmetrically to the center line 42 of the first part 12, which is intended for routing through or inserting a snap elect rode into the electrode clamp 10. The contact element 60 has a corresponding opening 48 which is likewise located symmetrically to the center line 42. In the second part 14, there is a receiving space for the snap electrode which is bordered in the illustrated embodiment by an opening 50, the opening 50 within the second part 14 extending beveled to the outer opening edge 52 in the second part 14.

The opening 58 of the first part 12 and the opening 48 of the contact element 60 are open toward the edge 26 which borders the flat section of the first part 12 and has a first section near the edge which is bordered by edges which run parallel at least in sections and which also run parallel to the center line 42 of the first part 12. Adjoining the first section, the opening 58 of the first part 12 and the opening 48 of the contact element 60 have a second, pitch circle-shaped section in which the snap electrode can be accommodated.

The opening 50 of the second part 14 is open toward the edge 30 which borders the flat section of the second part 14 and has a first section which is near the edge and which is bordered by edges which run parallel at least in sections and which also run parallel to the center line 44 of the first part 14. Adjoining the first section the opening 50 has a second, pitch circle-shaped section in which the snap electrode can be accommodated.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 2, the two openings 48, 50 of the contact element 60 and of the second part 14 have an offset 36 which, in the embodiment is sized such that the snap electrode cannot be inserted into the electrode clamp 10. To make contact with the snap electrode, the second part 14 can be moved laterally relative to the first part 12 and thus relative to the contact element 60 which is fixed on the first part 12 such that the offset 36 is reduced or the openings 48, 50 are even essentially congruent. In this state the snap electrode can be inserted either directly into the second, pitch circle-shaped sections of the openings 48, 50 of the contact element and of the second part, or the snap electrode can be inserted into the pitch circle-shaped sections of openings 48, 50 laterally over the first sections of the openings 48, 50 of the contact element and of the second part.

The displacement of the second part 14 which is necessary to reduce the offset 36 relative to the first part 12 takes place against the force of the energy storage mechanism located in the electrode clamp 10 so that the energy which can be stored in the energy storage mechanism after insertion of the snap electrode into the openings 48 and 50 results in a resetting motion of the second part 14 relative to the first part 12. In this way, clamping contact of the second part 14 with the snap electrode occurs, in particular pressing of the snap electrode against the contact element 60 of the electrode clamp 10. The contact element 60 also extends into the front region 20 of the electrode clamp 10 and in the embodiment is also located on the surface 22 of the first part 12. The contact element 60 is set back relative to the edge 26 of the first part 12 in a shock-proof manner.

FIG. 3 shows a section through the embodiment as shown in III-III of FIG. 2. The contact element 60 is used both to make contact with the film electrode and also to make contact with a snap electrode. When contact is made with the film electrode, the surface 24 of the second part 14 in the illustrated forward region 20 of the electrode clamp 10 presses against the surface 22 of the first part and a film electrode inserted between these two surfaces 22 and 24 is accordingly conductively connected to the contact element 60. The opening 50 of the second part 14 widens in the direction to the end which is opposite the first part 12. This improves contact-making and clamping of the snap electrode which can have on its free end a partially spherical or curved section.

The bearing bracket 18 of the first part 12 extends over a height of approximately 30 to 60% of the overall height of the electrode clamp 10. The bearing bracket 18 of the first part 12 is at least partially accommodated in the recess of the second part 14 when the offset 36 is reduced between the first part 12 and the second part 14. When the offset 36 has been adequately reduced, the openings 48 and 50 are aligned to one another to such an extent that insertion of the snap electrode into the electrode clamp 10 is possible. The opening 58 of the first part 12 has a somewhat greater width than the opening 48 of the contact element 60 so that when the snap electrode is clamped, reliable contact-making by the contact element 60 is ensured.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show components of a second embodiment of an electrode clamp 100 according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows a view of the second part 114 of the second embodiment from underneath. The center line 142 of the first part 112 extends over all three figures for purposes of representation of the lateral relative location of the components in the initial state of the electrode clamp 100. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an arrangement of the energy storage mechanism 170 and the axis 116 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the first part 112 of the second embodiment.

Running parallel to the edge 130 of the second part 114, there is a recess 132 which interacts with the clamp strip 162 of the contact element 160 and ensures mechanically reliable fixing of the film electrode in the electrode clamp 100. The first part 112 relative to the second part 114 has an offset 136.

The axis 116, around which the second part 114 can be pivoted relative to the first part 112, extends in the axis direction 176 which runs at a right angle to the center line 142. An energy storage mechanism 170 which causes a resetting motion both for lateral displacement and also for pivoting of the two parts 112, 114 is made as a leg spring and has a first leg 172 which can be assigned to the first part 112, and a second leg 174 which can be assigned to the second part 114. In the second part 114, adjacent to one of the bearing brackets 128, there is a recess 154 for insertion of the second leg 174. The second leg 174 is moved in the axial direction 176 together with the second part 114 when the second part 114 moves laterally. In this way stretching or compression of the energy storage mechanism 170 is caused by this movement.

The contact element 160, on its side adjacent to the edge 126, has a clamp strip 162 which, made, for example, as an impression into the contact element 160, forms an elevation which projects out of the plane of the contact element 160 in the direction of the second part 114. By interaction with the recess 132 of the second part 114 a film electrode can be clamped in a mechanically stable manner between the clamp strip 162 and the recess 132. To ensure a sufficiently shock-proof electrode clamp 100, the edge of the contact element 160 which is adjacent to the edge 126 of the first part 112 is set back relative to the latter so that touching of the edges 126 by the user of the electrode clamp 100 does not result in touching of the contact element 160.

The axis 116 is pivoted in the bearing brackets 118 of the first part 112. The second leg 172 of the energy storage mechanism 170 can be accommodated in the recess 182 which is adjacent to the bearing bracket 118 of the first part 112. The bearing bracket 118 of the first part 112 which is on the left when looking at FIG. 6 is offset to the inside by the offset 136 of the left outside edge of the first part 112, while the other bearing bracket 118 is located flush on the right outside edge of the first part 112. The bearing bracket 128 of the second part 114 which is on the right when looking at FIG. 4 is offset to the inside by the offset 136 of the right outside edge of the second part 114, while the other bearing bracket 128 is located flush on the left outside edge of the second part 114. When the first part 112 and the second part 114 lie on top of and aligned with one another without an offset, i.e., when the offset 136 disappears completely, the bearing brackets 128 of the second part 114 which are adjacent to one another and the bearing brackets 118 of the first part 112 adjoin one another. In this way, the relative movement of the two parts 112 and 114 to one another, which is possible for reduction of the offset 136, is limited and the bearing brackets 118, 128 are also used here as stop means.

The connecting lead 134 is connected electroconductively to the contact element 160. For this purpose, the contact element on its end near the connecting lead 134 is shaped appropriately. The electroconductive connection can take place, for example, by crimping, soldering or clamping. Alternatively, insulation piercing connection of the connecting lead 134 to the contact element 160 constitutes an economical connection method.

FIG. 7 shows partially in a section an arrangement of energy storage mechanisms 270, 290 and the axis 216 of a third embodiment. A bearing drum 286 which is formed preferably in one piece by the first part of the electrode clamp according to the invention has bearing bushes 294 in which an axis 216 is guided which on one end is provided with a bearing bracket 228 that is formed preferably in one piece from the second part of the electrode clamp according to the invention. A disk 288 is permanently connected to the axis 216. The energy storage mechanism 290 in the second chamber 298 of the bearing drum 286 with its one end adjoins the inside surface of the bearing drum 286 and, with its other end, the disk 288. In the illustrated initial state the energy storage mechanism 290 applies a force to the disk 288 and thus effects the extended state of the bearing bracket 228, so that there is an offset 136 (see FIG. 4) between the first and the second part of the electrode clamp according to the invention.

To reduce the offset, the bearing bracket 228 and thus the second part of the electrode clamp can be moved relative to the first part and thus relative to the bearing drum 286 such that the bearing bracket 228 moves in the direction of the bearing drum 286. After insertion of a snap electrode into the electrode clamp, the energy storage mechanism 290, by its attempt to expand again, will move the disk 288 and thus the axis 216 as well as the bearing bracket 228 back in the direction of the initial position and thus will ensure mechanically secure fixing and electronic contact-making of the snap electrode.

In a first chamber 296 of the bearing drum 286, there is another energy storage mechanism 270 in which one leg emerges through the exit opening 292 out of the bearing drum 286. The energy storage mechanism 270 is supported with its leg emerging from the bearing drum 286 on the second part of the electrode clamp and is used here, in particular, to produce a contact pressure for making contact with the film electrode.

FIG. 8 shows partially in a section an arrangement of an energy storage mechanism 370 and an axis 316 of a fourth embodiment. The bearing drum 386 is preferably formed in one piece from the first part of the electrode clamp according to the invention, while the bearing bracket 328 is formed preferably in one piece from the second part of the electrode clamp. The bearing bracket 386 is penetrated by the axis 316 which is guided in the bearing bushes 394 of the bearing drum 386. The axis 316 on its one end is connected permanently to its bearing bracket 328, on its other end it is provided with a stop 380 which, for example, is produced by simple compression of the axis on this end and which interacts with the adjacent bearing bush 394 such that limitation of the mobility of the bearing bracket 328 out of the drum 386 is made available. Further movement of the bearing bracket 328 in this direction is not possible as soon as the stop 380 adjoins the bearing bush 394.

A disk 388 which is permanently connected to the axis 316 is permanently connected to the end of an energy storage mechanism 370 which is located in the first chamber 396 of the bearing drum 386, which end is adjacent to the disk, so that movement of the bearing bracket 328 in the direction of the bearing drum 386 leads to expansion of the energy storage mechanism 370. This movement of the bearing bracket 328 is caused by a reduction of the offset 136 of the two parts of the electrode clamp. One leg of the energy storage mechanism 370 which is guided to emerge from the bearing drum 386 through an exit opening 392 acts on the second part of the electrode clamp and in the initial state of the electrode clamp leads to the surfaces 22, 24 pressing on one another in the forward region 20 of the electrode clamp and thus to contact being made with a film electrode. 

1. An electrode clamp (10; 100) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode, the electrode clamp (10; 100) having a first part (12; 112) and a second part (14; 114), as well as a contact element (60; 160), and, for clamping a film electrode, the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114) being able to be pivoted toward one another, characterized in that in an initial state of the electrode clamp (10; 100), the first part (12; 112) and the second part (14; 114) have an offset (36; 136) to one another which can be reduced by a relative movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp, and that by a reset motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element (60; 160) and thus contact can be made with the snap electrode and the electrode clamp (10; 100) can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the snap electrode.
 2. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the relative movement is a linear movement, in particular lateral movement, with reference to facing surfaces (22, 24) of the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114).
 3. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode clamp (10; 100) has stop means which limit the relative movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112).
 4. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (60; 160) has an opening (48; 148) for inserting the snap electrode into the electrode clamp (10; 100) and the second part (14; 114) has a receiving space for accommodating the snap electrode at least in sections.
 5. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (48; 148) in the contact element (60; 160) is a through opening in the flat region of the contact element (60; 160) and that the opening (48; 148), moreover, is open toward the edge which borders the first part (12; 112).
 6. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (48; 148) in the contact element (60; 160) in a first section near the edge of the first part (12; 112) has a smaller inside width than in the second section which is at a distance from the edge of the first part (12; 112).
 7. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (48; 148) is located in a section of the contact element (60; 160) via which the film electrode can also be clamped.
 8. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the relative movement of the second part (14; 114) runs opposite the first part (12; 112) along an axis (16; 116; 216; 316) which is also a pivoting axis for a pivoting motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) for making contact with a film electrode.
 9. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contact element (60; 160) for making contact, both with the film electrode and also the snap electrode, is located only on one of the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114), in particular on the first part (12; 112).
 10. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (60; 160) for making electrical contract with the film electrode has a clamping means (162) for clamping the film electrode.
 11. The electrode clamp (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode clamp (10; 100) has an energy storage mechanism (170; 370) which opposes the relative movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12, 112) for reducing the offset, and which applies the clamping force which is necessary to make contact with the snap electrode. 